The 29-year-old completed his £35m move to Old Trafford on Monday and has a signed a three-year deal with the option of a further season.

That fee could yet rise to £40m, with a number of add-ons included, but Jose Mourinho was very keen on a reunion with the Serbian.

And, given United's reliance on Michael Carrick, Neville feels Matic's arrival will help ease the strain on the 36-year-old.

"Michael Carrick’s obviously got one more year but he can’t play every single week so they’ve got to have that player come in and do the same job," he told Sky Sports. "I believe Nemanja Matic can do that.

"United need a holding midfield player. Schneiderlin was let go earlier this year, Schweinsteiger didn’t get a game. There needed to be a replacement in there and ultimately I think Matic will fit the bill.